Police Crack Down on Noise Violators

Local police say noise violations increase during the school year, and they say the violations don't go unnoticed and won't go un-policed.

As some students move into the dorms, hundreds of others move into surrounding residential areas.

"We do have parties, " Texas A&M Student Brenden McKeever said. "I guess there is noise but no one ever complains."

But that is not always the case.

"They're getting used to being in town and the residents around them are having to get used to them being back," Rhonda Seaton with the College Station Police Department said. "So, we'll probably see an increase."

In October of last year the College Station Police Department issued 90 citations for noise violations.

"Many students are under the assumption that they have the right to receive a written warning first," Seaton said. "But that's not always the case. The officers don't have to give them a warning and in many cases they will give a citation."

The same is true in Bryan, in October of last year 89 people were ticketed for noise violations.

First time offenders can get up to a $500 fine, and second time offenders could be arrested.

"We'll look for vehicles with loud stereos, houses, parties, things like that out in the neighborhood to see what is going on out there," Jillian Garza with the Bryan Police Department said.

In Bryan, off-duty officers sign up for extra hours just to respond to noise calls.

College Station police send on-duty officers, and on Aggie game weekends they add a special unit.

A College Station officer teams up with a university police officer just to crack down on those who are too loud.

"They need to be considerate of their neighbors and a little consideration will go a long way," Seaton said.

From the City of College Station Website:

Noise Abatement

With a continuing effort, the City of College Station will work toward keeping our city an enjoyable place to live. College Station Police Department is committed to strict noise and alcohol enforcement. Additionally, we will work with Community Enhancement to address such problems as:

GOALS:Enhance and protect the quality of life for all Maintain cooperative efforts of police and code enforcement Maintain cooperative efforts of local law enforcement Maintain cooperative efforts between the City of College Station and property owners/managers Maintain cooperative efforts between the City of College Station, the City of Bryan, Texas A&M University, and Brazos County Agencies

Texas Law Violation

A loud party or noise violation falls under the Texas Penal Code Section 42.01 Disorderly Conduct (a)(5): a person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly; makes unreasonable noise in a public place other than a sport shooting range, or in or near a private residence that he has no right to occupy. Disorderly Conduct is a Class C Misdemeanor and is punishable by fine up to $ 500.00.

Action Taken . . .

If officers determine you are in violation of the Disorderly Conduct statute, each resident will receive a citation. If necessary, arrests will be made.

If the police department responds to a second complaint of loud noise or music and officers determine you are in violation of the Disorderly Conduct statute, each resident may be arrested.

Alcohol is found at most loud party/loud music complaints. All alcohol violations will be strictly enforced.

Follow Up . . .

Property owners and property managers will be notified of all noise and alcohol violations occurring on their property.

Property owners will have to make decisions on handling these violations. If the violations of the Texas Penal Code and Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code continue, the Texas nuisance abatement statue may be enforced. This action can result in civil prosecution of property owners.

"Bee" A Good Neighbor

In addition to Noise Abatement and Alcohol Enforcement, the Police Department is working with the City of College Station Code Enforcement division to identify and enforce the following violations:

Parking Violations

Parking in yards is prohibited Be sure you park legally on the street Don't block your neighbors driveway

Online Public Information File

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